Cataracts Disease

The National Eye Institute states that a cataract is a clouding of the eye lens that affects vision. It goes on to state that over half of the American population over 80 years old either have had cataract surgery or have a cataract. There are numerous causes of cataracts; however, the symptoms of cataracts, as well as the treatment options are the same, regardless of the cause.

Types

• There are five types of cataracts: age related, congenital, radiation induced, traumatic and secondary. Age related cataracts are caused by the aging process affecting the protein in the eyes. Congenital cataracts are uncommon and affect babies and young children. Radiation induced cataracts develop after exposure to radiation. Traumatic cataracts form after an eye injury; however, the cataracts may not be evident for years after the injury. Secondary cataracts are the result of eye surgery or medical conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetes.

Risk Factors

• Besides normal aging, there are some other risk factors that can increase the chance of cataracts developing. These include prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light such as light in a tanning bed, and consuming alcohol or smoking cigarettes.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, a halo around lights, colors looking yellow or faded, sensitivity to light, decreased night vision, and having to use brighter lights than usual to read. Unless the cataract has become completely white, a cataract won't cause any pain or inflammation; however, a completely white cataract, which is called a hypermature cataract, will cause pain and inflammation and must be removed as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

• In order to diagnose cataracts, your ophthalmologist will run a series of exams on your eyes. These include a general eye exam, a visual acuity test using an eye chart, a retinal exam which involves dilating the eye, and a slit lamp examination which allows the ophthalmologist to view your eye under magnification.

Treatment

• Surgery is the only effective treatment. This is done via an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. If both eyes are affected by cataracts, only one eye is corrected at a time. Once the first eye has healed, the surgery will be performed on the second eye. Healing time is fast. Most activities, including driving, can usually be resumed the day after the surgery.